2013 and Earlier - Hyundai Sonata Prices Paid and Buying Experience

nhphd

I also bought Sonata I4 Limited with GPS at 21500 OTD. Everyone believes he has got great deal which is good. Six months later you can get the same car at $1500 lower. Time is ticking and price is going down. The important factor is that do you like the car or not.

spiffy_dude

Capitol Hyundai in San jose, CA is offering me a fully loaded 2009 Limited V6
(nav, mats etc.) for $1200 below invoice i.e.25227. Bluetooth will be extra at $300.
We are also going to get rear parking sensors installed at $695. So, overall, it's coming out to : $26222 before taxes, fees etc.
Is it a good/decent deal or do we need to bring it down even more ?

2002slt

Invoice on that should be around $25.9k. Take the $1,500 rebate off of that and you get $24.4k. Some places are selling for another $1,900 off of that! :surprise:

moocow1

Hmm, That doesn't sound like proper invoice, although maybe all those extras really add up. But I'd expect to pay around $24,400 - $1500 rebate + TTL + those other accessories. I think you definitely should bring it down some, for a fully loaded, I'd look for a slightly better discount. Check sunnyvale and doten's internet people.

prjones60

i bought a 2009 GLS automatic with standard package last night in OKC. Here is the breakdown, let me know if i did okay.
MRSP was 20175
paid 18875
-1500 rebate
-3000 trade in 03 PT cruiser with 89000 miles and cracked windoshield
+ 289 doc fee
= 14464 out the door
Thanks for your help. I'm thinking today i might have paid about 800 too much.

js06gv

"I'm thinking today i might have paid about 800 too much."

Pretty close, but you got a great car and will enjoy it regardless. I'm about three hours south of you in McKinney, TX. I own a Santa Fe and helped my sister purchase a Sonata last weekend at Huffines. They would have done a base (no package) for $16,800 plus TTL vs. the $17,375 you paid. She went for the preferred package for $17,400 plus TTL and they threw in the window tint. Trade was a 2001 Protege with 118K, cracked w/s and needed a lot of work. We were lucky to get two grand out of it in the shape it was in, which is too bad because if the car was in better condition it would have been gold in the market these days with everyone looking for a good fuel economy car.

prjones60

thanks for the info, i think i should have gotten another 600 for my cruiser. it was clean except for the window shield being cracked and a few chip spots on the hood that were very small. i drive about eighty miles to work and back and am looking forward to getting better gas mileage than the 23 i got on the cruiser. if i get the 32 that is posted then i should save around 78 dollars a month in fuel costs.

fscot

Had a very good sales experience @ Stateline Hyundai in Phillipsburg, NJ.
Prices:
MSRP: $27,735 Invoice: $25,921 + $150 ad fee
Agreed price: $22,355
Doc fees: 199
Taxes, tags, title: 1,676

Basically the current deal for 2009 Sonata of any flavor is:
Invoice-$1,900 discount-$1,500 rebate=agreed price

Very low pressure experience. Very nice sales folks. Highly recommend.

bhmr59

That is a real good price...except for the bogus $150 adv fee.

m6user

If they took the "ad fee" off and just increased the sale price $150 it would still be a very good deal. Bottom line is what is important.

njalan

I am new to this forum and have never sat in or test-drove a Hyundai in my life. Bacause the rising car and gas price I am stepping down to a smaller engine size and less expensive car. I think either the 2008 or 2009 Sonata Limited with L4 engine would suit my needs. Having navigation and moon roof is not important, but having adequate legroom in the back, safe, reliable and sturdy, good quality and fuel economy, and at a reasonable price are my concerns. I used the Costco car buying service and received a couple of calls from two dealerships. They all invited me to take a test drive first. When I said I am too far away(one is in Toms River and the other on Rt 22) and would like to know the price first (just standard equipment with no options for the time being) they all declined to give me any quote. They said the company policy would not allow them to give price quote over the phone.

I read on this forum that the Stateline Hyundai dealership in Phillipsburg NJ offered $1900 below invoice with a $100 gas card for any favor. This plus a $1500 rebate for the 2009 cars sounds very attractive to me. For the 2008 leftovers the deal could be even sweeter: $2300 below invoice plus $3000 rebate and $100 gas card. My question to all of you is: would you please help me in locating a dealership in my area (central NJ) that would offer similar deals, because Phillipsburg is too far away (2 hours driving one way?) even though it is in NJ. Anybody bought a new car recently in central NJ?

I can buy the car at the end of the month, next month, or later because I just returned a leased car earlier this month. I have 3 other cars now and I am not in a great hurry to buy one either. Would like to know when is the better time to get a good deal. Thanks in advance for your help.

njalan

Hi fscot, do you mean you paid $24230 out the door for a 2009 Limited V6 with navi with MSRP $27735? Do they offer free oil change for life too? Thanks.

backy

Unless you want a 2008 Sonata, of which quantities are limited, you might want to wait for the end of the year. There are usually year-end closeout deals at that time. Also, historically speaking the $1500 rebate on the 2009 Sonata is quite low. $2000-3000 rebates have been common on the Sonata over the past few years. It's likely IMO that the rebate will increase later in 2008.

Also, when you look at the Sonata, I recommend you also look at the Elantra. It has a lot of interior room for its size (classified as a mid-sized car based on interior room) and may have enough for you. And it is lower priced than the Sonata, especially compared to the 2009 Sonata, and gets better fuel economy.

njalan

Thanks Backy, I just compared the Sonata and the Elantra and found out the Elantra is 3" narrower in width and 2.4" shorter in rear legroom. That alone would not bother me a lot. My problem is with my wife. She might not even want to take a look at the Sonata, let alone the Elantra. The next car is mostly for her because I just returned her 2004 Mercedes E320 4matic to the dealership. She wanted an S class, but would settle for another E class or Acura RL. I personally don't like Mercedes, especially the navigation (it was outdated before it came out). She said I would be pleased with the new navi on the S class but I refused to go for a gas drinking car just for the name and the navi.

I hope she would calm down and go with me to test drive a Sonata (the Azera is a V6 car and not considered). Right now I need help to get a dealership in the central Jersey area with good deal. Waiting until the later part of 2008 to get a better deal is certainly a good idea. Thanks again.

backy

Yes, if you regularly carry more than 2 adults over 6 feet tall in the back, the Elantra may be a little small for you. Make sure when you test drive the Sonata, you drive one that has the interior upgrade package (all but the base GLS have this). It looks a bit nicer. Of course she may like the Limited with its leather interior if she is used to leather in the E320.

P.S. The Elantra has almost exactly the same interior volume and trunk space as the 2004 E320.

fscot

Yes - OTD was $24230 (includes taxes, tags, doc fees). Stateline didn't offer lifetime oil changes, but they did give me a coupon for the first oil change free. Some folks may be able to get a better deal, but I felt I got a good deal without any effort or high pressure tactics. If you're in the market for a Hyundai check out the Stateline web site - they keep it current and that was how they hooked me into making a visit.

njalan

Thanks fscot! But do you have any idea about the 2009 Limited L4 with Nav (or without Nav)? I try to save some money on gas only. I have nothing against the V6 at all. Any dealership in the Monmouth & Middlesex county area that offers good deal?

cosmo15

Guys after reading your many post about Towne Hyundai would the following be correct for a Sonata Limited 4 cyl
Invoice- $ 22423
Dest- $ 675
Total- $ 23098
Towne discount $1900
Man Rebate $1500
Total $ 19698 plus Tax and tags

bhmr59

Cosmo,

Your figures are correct except you have to add the doc fee, which was $189 the last I knew.

Also, if you want to add floor mats that would add $73. If you currently own a Hyundai, you would also get the $500 loyalty rebate.

njalan

Hi bhmr59, Did you personally get that deal from Towne Hyundai in Denville, NJ? Or anyone out there actually got a similar deal in NJ? Thanks.

bhmr59

We got the deal from Towne in Denville in Feb., '07. (In fact, I'm the one who started posting about Towne just after we bought.) For us it was a 100 mile drive, a little under 2 hours each way. The deal was set ahead of time, everything was ready. Only 1/2 hour or so at the dealership. So, with 200 miles of driving and less than 5 hours of time, we saved over $3000 on our purchase.

The formula is: the internet price (typically X below invoice), less current rebate(s), plus doc fee, plus tax & registration & title fees.

Some states do not charge sales tax on the amount of the rebate. Most states in the north east charge sales tax on the price of the car before rebate. The tax in most N.E. states is the dealer selling price, which would be the "X below invoice price."

I know of 8 cars Towne sold to CT residents (recommended by me and a friend) since 2/07 and the formula has been the same--doc fee in each case was $189.

njalan

That's exactly what I wanted to hear, bhmr59. Now let me put up some numbers and see if I get them right (all invoice price):
Limited L4 base: $22423
Navi: $1137
Mud Guards: $68
Cargo Net: $41
Destination: $675
Duc Fee: $189
Less Towne Discount: - $1900
Less Rebate: -$1500
Equal to: $21133 before NJ sales tax, tag and registration fee
How am I doing so far? Now I have to find out what item is taxable and what is not included in the sales tax computation, right?

Do you think the current deal ($1500 rebate plus $1900 discount below invoice) will end on 6/30 or will go into July as well? Backy suggested I can wait until later (near the year end) to get a better deal. Should I buy now or later? Thanks.

rotary

Some of you will take this the wrong way, but when you can get a 4 banger Camry for around 17k, and an Accord for about a grand more (I'm talking real prices, after negotiations), don't you think paying anywhere near 20k for a 4 cylinder Sonata is too much?

I think those that know me by the context of all my posts know that I am not a Hyundai Basher; I like the Azera, and I am planning on test driving the Genesis when I can. I have, to be fair, been down on the Sonata because of resale value and suspension noise, that Hyundai either is unwilling or unable to fix (I am not sure if they resolved that problem in the 2009).

I really want to know why anyone would consider paying more for Sonata than a comparably equipped Camry or Accord?

Thanks.

alamocity

While I can't speak for all locations I can say that at least in my neck of the woods you won't find the Camry for 17K (other than a CE with a manual) or a Accord for 18K. Market drives the price, if you're fortunate to live in a market where Camry's and Accord's go for the prices great, otherwise the Sonata becomes a viable option especially if you plan to keep the car longer than say 3 or 4 years.

jfritsch

I have to agree with the other guy. Unless you're getting 4500+ off the 20000 gls or more off the higher trims aggressively getting 10 quotes on the camry and accord end of month should be done also. Mazda3 and others for Elantra buyers.

In some areas (NY,NJ ) the dealers are dropping their pants 4k+ immediately on an 08 elantra or 09 Sonata but in many others not. The Camry and Accord may be more viable there. There is a high demand the last 4 months or so for 30 mpg vehicles as too many $70 tank fillups finally got to the hold outs once gas approached $4.00. Some of the Hyundai dealers are playing that out for a few more months.

Good luck
--jjf
--jjf

While I can't speak for all locations I can say that at least in my neck of the woods you won't find the Camry for 17K (other than a CE with a manual) or a Accord for 18K. Market drives the price, if you're fortunate to live in a market where Camry's and Accord's go for the prices great, otherwise the Sonata becomes a viable option especially if you plan to keep the car longer than say 3 or 4 years.

bhmr59

I think NJ taxes the rebate. I think the doc fee is not taxed. So you'd be looking at invoice of the car indluding destination plus any options, less the dealer discount, "times" the NJ sales tax. Then you would add the doc fee and subtract the rebate. Our deal in 2/07 was: Invoice $20,951 less $1800 below invoice =$19151 selling price (taxable amount). 6% sales tax = $1149.06. + $189 doc fee + $200 title & reg. Total $20,689.06. Less $1,000 general rebate, less $1,000 rebate for HMFC financing, less $500 owner loyalty. Total OTD $18,189.06. (MSRP was $22,080).

Rebate programs can change from month to month--sometimes more attractive, sometimes less generous. If I needed a new car by the end of July, I'd probably buy now to lock in the current rebates (again, I'd get the owner loyalty rebate of $500 which may disappear in July). If you don't need a new car for six months or so, the rebates will probably become more attractive in a few months. But, since you are looking for a 4 cyl, you might do better to buy now. As gasoline continues to increase in price, we may find that rebates on 4 cyl cars are not as generous and/or the below invoice pricing may not be as attractive. (Look at what happened to Elantra pricing at Towne: $1600 below invoice on GLS & "call for SE models). While they are both 4 cyl, the top rating of the SE with ESC has increased demand for that trim and apparantly increased the market price.

Good Luck.

dontt

I was quoted an out the door price of $22500 for the 2009 Sonata Limited without the nav system. The Tax rate here is 7% and the price includes that. Is that a good price or should I negotiate more?

njalan

Rotary, your point is well taken; however, I am completely confused on what you said about getting the Accord for around $18,000. I owned two Accords before and don't mind buying another one if the price is this low. Here is my research on the 2008 EX-L L4 Accord with navi (I have to compare apple to apple because I have the 2009 Sonata Limited L4 with navi figure right in front of me):
Base for 2008 Accord Ex-L L-4 with navi invoice price $25416
Destination charge $670
Total before tax, tag & doc fee $$26086
No rebate available & have no idea how much below invoice discount would be offered upon hard negotiation.

Now please tell me, Rotary, how much you think you can get this car for? I was told on this forum I could get a 2009 Sonata Limited L-4 with navi for about $22400 which includes sales tax (NJ 7%), tag and doc fee. I would buy this 2008 Accord for $23000 (everything included) which is $600 more than the 2009 Sonata. Academy Honda is about 8 miles away from me and I would be more than happy to go there.

jfritsch

If you look at the post I made NY and NJ are amongst the best in the country for buying Hyundais, dropping their pants immediately for 4-5000 on the Sonata (even more) If that 21000 price or so on the Sonata Limited is 5000 or more off msrp, Its a considerably better deal than toyota's or honda's offering.

You may be able to touch the Honda in the 24000's or a bit less in other parts of the country but that may be iffy. If the Hyundai dealer is messing with 2000 or so off msrp rather than 4000+ it s time to consider Honda. or elsewhere The base gls sonata and the Honda LX-P may be a better comparison.

Good luck
--jjf

Now please tell me, Rotary, how much you think you can get this car for? I was told on this forum I could get a 2009 Sonata Limited L-4 with navi for about $22400 which includes sales tax (NJ 7%), tag and doc fee. I would buy this 2008 Accord for $23000 (everything included) which is $600 more than the 2009 Sonata. Academy Honda is about 8 miles away from me and I would be more than happy to go there.

auld_dawg

Well, don't take this wrong, but since the weight gains of the Camry and Accord over the last couple of years, they don't make as much sense as they did two years ago. The Accord in particular was probably the best mainstream midsize sedan in the market from 2003 th 2007. The weight gain in 2008 reminds me of the mess that Ford made with the Taurus in 96, jumping the shark is the expression I think of.......

If you watch the "Real World MPG" boards, you'll notice that both Camry and Accord seem to have taken a hit since the weight gains. It seems that the newest V6 Sonatas are roughly equivalent to the 4 cyl Camry and Accords in mpg. The 4 cyl Sonatas seem to generally have an advantage. There are exceptions, but in general this seems to be the case this year........

Its just my opinion, but I don't think that either the Camry or the Accord are the great values they were in the near past. There are those that would disagree, but my opinion is that growing towards the full size spectrum of the market was the wrong way to go............

auld_dawg

Looks like Motor Trend agrees with me.......for different reasons

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0808_top_five_family_sedan_compar- ison/index.html

Considering the Passat really doesn't belong in this test, this supposedly being a test of frugal family midsize sedans, the Sonata's results even look better....

It might be a bit premature to suggest that the Camry and Accord are following the early Taurus into oblivion, but I don't think its too early to suggest that the Hyundai is now a solid competitor, and that its even better when considering standard feature content, and value.........

alamocity

I agree that an individual should do their research ahead of time and know what they are willing to purchase a vehicle for before walking in to a dealership. The bottom line still comes down to whether a person is willing to purchase a vehicle that may be several hundred miles from their location to get the best price and that may not be practical for everyone. I tend to compare the prices of similiar equipped vehicles in my market and base my purchase on that.

backy

Assuming (big assumption I think) that you could get a Camry or Accord for $17k ($18k for the Accord), what would you get? A bare-bones Camry CE or Accord LX that would have plastic wheel covers, utilitarian cloth interior, no ESC (on the Camry), no power driver's seat, plastic wheel, basic audio system, etc. And of course an I4, probably with a stick shift.

For $17-$18k on a Sonata, you could get something like:

* GLS with 249 hp V6, ESC, and moonroof
* SE with 175 hp I4, 5AT (coming soon per MT review), 17" alloys, power seat, ESC, sport-tuned suspension (in other words, something like a Camry SE)

You might even be able to find a Limited I4 in the $18's, with leather, moonroof, upgraded audio, etc. etc.

Plus the longer Hyundai warranty to boot.

The bottom line is, the Sonata you get for $17-18k is NOT "comparably equipped" to the Camry or Accord you might be able to get for the same price.

So if someone does pay $20k for a Sonata I4, they are looking at a loaded Sonata I4, not the basic model you would get with a Camry or Accord.

And I'm not even considering that many people may actually prefer the Sonata to the Camry and Accord, irrespective of price. Like the editors of MT, for example.

Does that help answer your question?

backy

Some interesting quotes from the MT comparo:

Our putting the Passat in first place wasn't achieved without a couple rounds of rancorous "debate." Some felt the Volkswagen was so attractive and so far and away the best driver's car it would be nuts to consider anything else. Case closed-any questions? A minority view held that in this category, price, fuel economy (not needing premium gas), and a strong reliability rep (you can Google J.D. Power's views on the Passat for yourself) made the Sonata the glaringly obvious practical choice. These are two valid and not easily reconciled perspectives. Passion versus practicality. The tiny angel and devil on either shoulder whispering into our ears.

1ST PLACE VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Despite a high sticker and thirst for premium, wins by a nose due to driving fun.

2ND PLACE HYUNDAI SONATA
Only lacking the VW's verve; our #1 pick if family comes first.

Uhmm... these are "family cars," right?

moocow1

As I think everyone noted, this comparison is bizarre and not exactly made of sense. However, the car with a much lower price than most of the others in the comparison almost beat the car that's 5-7k more expensive. That says something awesome for the Sonata. I certainly think the Passat is a family car, just not one that's competing in the same price range. It's not cheap, it's more in the Avalon price range instead.
Either way, I think this is a sign to buy a Sonata, it's definitely an awesome car all around. And it does have a better mpg estimate than Camry or Accord...although 1 mpg isn't a big difference!

backy

But back to Sonata pricing (sort of)... a Sonata SE or Limited V6 would still cost less real-world than the base Passat, but offer much more in comfort/convenience features while getting similar performance (and fuel economy!) to the Passat T4.

njalan

Just wanted to share my actual shopping experience with you guys on the forum. I just came back from Circle Hyundai in Shrewsburg, NJ. There were no more 2008 L-4 Sonatas. So I looked at the 2009's. The sales lady was extremely friendly and nice. We went right to the point after I told her I had done some internet shopping. Circle Hyundai offers $600 below the invoice discount (not $1900 by Towne and Stateline). They charge $250 for advertising and $675 for inland freight & handling. I said I did not see the advertising elsewhere and she said it had to be burried somewhere if not shown separately.

I did not test drive the car or start the negotiation before departing. She said: Hope you don't get disappointed when you get there. I will believe you when you drive the car here and show me the actual receipt. So, before I drive up to Towne (some 70 miles away one way) and Stateline (about 90 miles one way), would anyone of you be kind enough to confirm that they indeed offer the $1900 below the invoice discount on Sonatas?

nhphd

Yes Towne Hyundai is real. Just don't buy their Window etching and ..... Ask for an internet email quote from them. Then go and buy it and then stop by that friendly lady and show your car and turn her face RED !!!!
Tell her You SNOOZE, you LOSE "the deal"!!
FYI: I did not buy my car from Towne Hyundai. It was far for me. 380 miles one way

m6user

Yes Towne is the real deal based on many, many people posting same on this thread. Wouldn't hurt to go back and read some earlier posts, many of your questions would already be answered.

I'm just suprized the saleswoman didn't give you the old "nobody can sell this car that cheap, they would go out of business" routine.

nearphila

njalan - i am shopping for an 09 GLS and several on the forum suggested Stateline. If you email them and request a quote, you will get a very detailed quote in their first reply, with an Out-The-Door price (I have found other dealers will even play games in the email, and never want to include the whole deal in a single email). It includes etch (but others have said you can decline that) and a $200 documentation fee, but (at least as of last weekt) also the $1500 rebate and a $1900 discount and a $100 gas card and also floor and trunk mats thrown in (worth $180 total). Request an email quote and you'll be set.

rhonas

I bought at Stateline Hyundai NJ in May an 2009 2.4 GLS auto - no games played. It was 2100 below invoice and 1500 factory rebate at that time (same as Towne, but don't know what they charge else). The only charge was 199 docummentation fee. Absolutely no pressure. Very friendly and highly recommended.

bhmr59

You've seen Towne's website, I believe. Give them a call to confirm everything. If satisfactory, make the deal over the phone, including picking the color. They will give you the VIN of the specific car you want.

If you make the deal a day or two before delivery and let them know when you plan to pick up the car, it will be cleaned up and ready for you. You will probably spend no more than 1/2 hour at the dealership to pick up your new car.

njalan

Nearphila, how is your shopping getting along? I just did as other folks on the forum suggested by requesting a quote from Towne and Stateline, respectively. Guess what? I already received email response from Towne's internet manager. He would give me a quote within 24 hours. Also, I received (and printed out) an Instant Savings Certificate in the amount of $500. What does it mean (I am excited already)? Does it mean, in addition to the $1500 rebate and the $1900/$2100 below the invoice discount, that I am entitled to another $500 off on a new car deal, even if I never owned/leased a Hyundai or not a military person?

Wow! That really sounds too good to be true and I am afraid that friendly sales lady at Circle Hyundai would pass out upon hearing such offer by her competition. Hope you have a similar or better shopping experience, Nearphila. I will keep you folks updated.

backy

Does it mean, in addition to the $1500 rebate and the $1900/$2100 below the invoice discount, that I am entitled to another $500 off on a new car deal...

No. There is a note on the Internet pricing, "Dealer discount includes $500 coupon from our web site."

njalan

Thanks, backy. I just received internet detailed pricing from Stateline. They did a little cheating on the Limited L-4 without navi but showed a whole different picture on the Limited L-4 with navi. Here are the numbers:
Without navi (all in invoice price except tax, tag, etc):-
Base price $23494 (vs 22423 + 675 = 23098)
Discount $1900
Rebate $1500
Subtotal $ 20094 (vs $19698)
Sales tax $1511.58
Documentation $199
Motor vehicle $200 (estimated)
Total $22004.58 (vs $21594.79, a difference of $409.79)

With navi base $24631 (vs $23560 + 675 = $24235)
Discount $1000 (vs $1900)
Rebate $1500
Subtotal $22131 (vs $20835)
ETCH $199
Sales tax $1668.10
Documentation $199
Motor vehicle (estimated) $254
Total $24451.10 (vs $23078.31 without ETCH for a difference of $1372.79)

It looks the L-4 with navi is in higher demand than the L-4 without navi. But I would not pay $2400 more just to get the navi (everything else remains the same). I am amazed that the dealers can manipulate the numbers so successfully to suit their goal. Any thoughts?

backy

What amazes you, specifically? The dealer gives you their offer. You can accept it or reject it, or counter-offer. It's also possible for dealers (who are humans) to make mistakes. So you might double-check with them that there was no mistake in their price quote.

You might also ask them to compare their "invoice" price with a published invoice price, e.g. those at Edmunds.com, and explain any difference. For example, some Hyundai dealers are known to charge a separate "advertising fee" on top of the invoice price. Just why they do that, I don't know, but I don't try to tell them how to run their business. I may not like a price I'm quoted, but a dealer is free to quote any price they want--America, home of the free and all that. And I'm free to walk if I don't like it.

bhmr59

Thanks njalan. If you check with Towne, please let us know the same breakdown and total price.

Towne's prices (below invoice) have not been trim or option sensitive in the past.

Check with them and let us know how you do.

Good Luck.

backy

Actually, they have been trim/option sensitive on pricing. For example, Towne has been charging more for the popular SE trim on the Elantra for some time now. It looks like they might be doing the same for the nav Sonatas now. Good thing I can do without factory nav.

bhmr59

You're correct regarding the Elantra pricing discounts for the last few months at Towne.

However, model vs model trim has not had any difference for over a year in the Sonata or any other model until the recent CR rating of the Elantra.

njalan

nhphd, your posting #4920 states that you got the Sonata Limited L-4 with Navi for $21500 OTD from a NH dealer. Now I just got a quote from Stateline (NJ) for $24451.10 OTD for practically the same car. The difference of $2951.10 is hard to swallow. Does anyone have any buying experience in NJ and paid close to the $21500 mark? I would be happy if the price is about $22000. I don't think there is a chance to bargain the $24451 as quoted to anywhere close to $22000. Please help! I prefer to buy within NJ.